Utah County launches new Pioneer Day fireworks tradition over Utah Lake

UTAH COUNTY — Utah County is celebrating Pioneer Day with a fireworks show over Utah Lake Friday night, an event organizers hope will become an annual tradition.

Rep. Stephanie Gricius said the idea came together just a few weeks ago after a phone call from Lehi City Councilwoman Emily Lockhart.

"It was just a spur-of-the-moment, 'Let's go do it. It's going to be awesome.' And we did it," Gricius said.

What followed was an all-hands-on-deck countywide collaboration involving local leaders, businesses, first responders and community partners.

"We know the Fourth was disappointing with the firework bans, and we were hearing that from a lot of people," Gricius said. "With Pioneer Day and it being America 250, we wanted to do something big."

The fireworks will launch from barges on Utah Lake beginning at 10 p.m. Friday.

Organizers say people are welcome to watch from boats but are reminding boaters to follow all safety rules, including using navigation lights after dark. Paddle boards and other nonmotorized vessels are not allowed on the lake after dark.

The Utah Department of Natural Resources will have boats stationed around the launch sites to maintain a safety perimeter.

Gricius said this is just the beginning. They're already looking ahead, hoping to grow the celebration in the years to come.

"We're absolutely going to continue what we've already been working on, getting our sponsorships lined up for next year, getting bigger and better locations so we can accommodate more people," she said.

The fireworks show is expected to last about 30 minutes. The best viewing spot from shore is the American Fork Marina, while boaters can get a good view from the west side of Utah Lake near Saratoga Springs.

Tune in to FM 100.3 for a synchronized soundtrack during the show.

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Emma Benson